On the morning of August 28, 2025, a dramatic police chase unfolded on the highways of suburban Detroit, spotlighting the growing use of high-tech tools to bring dangerous pursuits to a safe end. The Livonia Police Department, located about 20 miles west of Detroit, found itself at the center of national attention after deploying a relatively new device called the Grappler Police Bumper to stop a stolen car and apprehend its occupants. The incident not only showcased the effectiveness of the device but also highlighted the increasing challenges police face with rising numbers of high-speed chases in Southeast Michigan.
It all began at 7:25 a.m., when Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers patrolling Detroit spotted a Chevrolet Cruze that had been reported stolen. According to MSP’s post on X (formerly Twitter), the driver refused to pull over, prompting troopers to follow the vehicle onto the freeway and into the neighboring city of Livonia. There, they called for assistance from the Livonia Police Department, which had recently equipped several of its cruisers with the Grappler device—a tool designed specifically for safely disabling fleeing vehicles.
As described by CBS News Detroit, the Grappler is a netting system mounted to the front of a police car. When deployed, it shoots out a high-strength nylon webbing that wraps around the rear wheel and axle of a suspect’s vehicle, tethering it to the pursuing cruiser. The device was invented by Leonard Stock, who was inspired after watching a television show about police pursuits. Stock told reporters, “It’s a netting system that is mounted in front of a couple of our police vehicles that shoots out a nylon webbing on the passenger side wheel or driver side wheel, whatever you position for.”
In this particular chase, Livonia officers located the stolen Chevrolet Cruze traveling westbound on Interstate 96 near Farmington Road. With the Grappler deployed, the suspect vehicle was quickly immobilized. The driver, a 27-year-old man from Brighton, Michigan, wasn’t ready to give up. He repeatedly shifted the car between reverse and forward, desperately trying to break free from the nylon tether. But the Grappler “held firm,” as described in a police press release, and the man’s frantic attempts only made things worse. The relentless strain caused the rear axle to rip away from the car—a violent end for the vehicle, which was ultimately totaled. Livonia Police later clarified that such severe damage is not typical with Grappler deployments and was “solely the result of the driver’s reckless attempts to escape.”
Despite the dramatic finale, the stop was executed in a controlled manner, and no injuries were reported. Alongside the driver, two female passengers—a 32-year-old from Wayne and a 31-year-old from Livonia—were also taken into custody. Police determined that all three had outstanding warrants from various jurisdictions. The driver was specifically arrested for probation violation and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to reports from multiple outlets, including Cox Media Group and MLive.
Livonia Police Captain Eric Marcotte praised the device as an “outstanding addition” to the department’s toolkit, emphasizing that it is used at officers’ discretion, particularly when civilian safety is at risk. “In the last couple two to three years, we have seen almost an 80% increase in our flee and elude pursuits,” Marcotte told CBS News Detroit, underscoring the urgent need for safer pursuit options. The region has seen several high-profile crashes resulting from police chases in recent months, including incidents where suspects crashed into other vehicles or even a school bus with children inside.
Leonard Stock, the Grappler’s inventor, noted that while the device is effective, it is not intended for every situation. “It’s legitimate to have concern over stopping a vehicle; it’s not to be used in every pursuit. It’s when a police department needs to stop a vehicle if a civilian is at danger or could be killed,” he explained. Stock’s company offers a day of training for police departments interested in adopting the technology, and ultimately, the decision to deploy the Grappler rests with the officer on the scene.
Since its introduction, the Grappler Police Bumper has gained traction across the United States. According to the company’s website and statements from Stock, the device is now in use by 70 departments in 35 states and has been credited with more than 1,500 successful missions, including over 600 suspect stops. Even the U.S. Border Patrol has utilized the Grappler to halt vehicles attempting to flee at the southern border. However, in Michigan, Livonia remains the only department currently using the tool, making this recent incident a showcase for the technology’s potential in the state.
In the aftermath of the pursuit, the Livonia Police Department expressed pride in their officers’ actions and reaffirmed their commitment to public safety. “This stolen vehicle was safely removed from the roadway and its occupants taken into custody,” the department said in a statement. “We are proud of our officers, whose skillful deployment of the Grappler ensured the outcome without further incident.” The department added that it remains dedicated to using innovative tools and effective strategies to keep the community safe.
The Grappler’s rise in popularity comes amid a broader conversation about the dangers of high-speed police chases. Pursuits can quickly escalate, putting not only suspects and officers at risk but also innocent motorists and pedestrians. In Southeast Michigan, the nearly 80% increase in flee and elude pursuits over the past two to three years has sparked concern among law enforcement and community members alike. Tools like the Grappler offer a promising alternative, allowing police to bring dangerous situations to a close with less risk of injury or collateral damage.
Still, the technology is not without its critics or limitations. As Stock and police officials acknowledge, every pursuit presents unique risks, and the decision to deploy disabling devices must be weighed carefully. The Livonia case—where the suspect’s own reckless actions led to the car’s axle being torn off—serves as a reminder that even the best tools cannot eliminate all dangers. Training, judgment, and a commitment to public safety remain paramount.
As the Livonia Police Department basks in the spotlight for its textbook use of the Grappler, departments around the country are likely watching closely. With police chases on the rise and public scrutiny of law enforcement tactics intensifying, the demand for safer, smarter solutions has never been greater. For now, Livonia’s experience stands as a vivid example of how innovation and skilled policing can work hand in hand to keep communities safe—one high-speed chase at a time.
